In an effort to keep the Quaker brand "fresh and innovative," parent company PepsiCo gave Larry, the jolly old man on the cover of every Quaker Oats box, a makeover. The new Larry has shorter hair, a thinner face, and looks about five to ten years younger. See a before and after below:
You'll notice Larry now has shoulders, intended to make "him seem stronger and more vibrant," says Michael Connors, the vice president of Hornall Anderson, the brand-design firm in charge of the update. Other changes: Larry's neck stayed the same, but the haircut just "makes him look thinner." The double chin is gone, and the skin smoothed out, which takes off about five pounds and makes Larry look years younger. But, lest he look too young, the design firm left Larry's crow's feet and "a little sparkle in his eye." Pretty good for a guy who's 134 years old!
Read More: 'Larry,' Quaker of Oatmeal Fame, Gets a Makeover at The Wall Street Journal
Related: The Oats Conundrum: Are Oats Gluten-Free?
(Images: PepsiCo via WSJ)
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There just trying to make him look less like the people who buy their products.
Are Oats Healthy?
* They're
Quakers named Larry? Doubtful.
5 lbs? More like 20 lbs.
I don't get why they got rid of the iconic oval frame, which was critical to the old branding.
Well, I like it! The font treatment actually makes it look more classic 40's to me.
Larry? Really?
....I can't tell the difference.
LARRY? Seriously?
This is a pretty subtle change. Not bad at all. Now if they just put organic oats in the box I might consider buying them.
I'm with Empress...
I kind of noticed that his double chin disappeared but I can't see the hair hair cut and ten years younger part. larry. larry. huh?
Hmmm... I wonder if Coca-Cola would do the same to its Santa.
After all, Quackerman and Santa are both creations of Haddon Sundblom - they even look a little familiar, if you pay attention.
Really? 99.9% of the population will never notice. 'Stronger and more vibrant'? I have to wonder if Michael Connors is really so ignorant or if he's just towing the party line to keep that nice, hefty VP check coming. Either way displays the lack of integrity in the food chain....bleh.
*If it ain't broke, don't fix it.*
'Political' changes will never repair the economy.
I don't know about you guys, but I definitely buy my rolled oats based on the guy on the box.